Shoelace knot retaining apparatus

ABSTRACT

A shoelace knot retaining apparatus includes a first arm and a second arm connected by a living hinge positioned therebetween. The first arm includes a free first end and a second end, and the second arm includes a free first end and a second end. The second end of the first arm is connected to the second end of the second arm via the living hinge, and the first end of the first arm and the first end of the second arm are respectively provided with mating snap connection members. The living hinge connecting the first arm to the second arm is integrally formed with the first and second arms and forms a portion of the first and second arms to create a knot recess in which a shoelace knot is positioned for retaining.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/924,943, entitled “Shoelace Knot Retaining Apparatus”, filed Jun. 6, 2007.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a shoelace knot retaining apparatus. In particular, the device relates to a shoelace knot retaining apparatus secured to the tongue of a shoe wherein the shoelace knot retaining apparatus includes a snap connection adapted for ease of use.

2. Description of the Related Art

Most everyone has confronted the problem that shoelaces often become untied at undesirable times. This problem is especially pronounced for runners and children who are just learning to tie their shoes. With children and people that have no strength in their hands, the knotting of shoelaces is challenging. Often the knot is loose, which inevitably leads to untying of the knot. In addition, untying of a shoelace knot is a problem with snowboard boots where the boarder is gloved and has to remove his gloves in order to tie his shoelaces.

Many attempts have been made to provide shoelace knot securing devices which prevent shoelaces from inadvertently untying, requiring the wearer to stop what he or she is doing and bend over to tie his or her shoes. However, these devices include limitations and are not as effective or easy to use as one might wish. Also, for the shoelace knot to be effective in preventing untying of the shoelace knot, significant pressure must be imposed on the shoelace knot.

With the foregoing in mind, a need continues to exist for a shoelace knot retaining apparatus which is both convenient to use and reliable. The present invention provides such an apparatus. The present shoelace knot retaining apparatus is capable of applying pressure upon the shoelace knot, preventing the shoelace knot from migrating and preventing untying of the shoelace. The present shoelace tying apparatus also secures a loose knot and prevents it from untying, while also providing an audible indication the shoelace knot retaining apparatus is secured about a shoelace knot.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a shoelace knot retaining apparatus including a first arm and a second arm connected by a living hinge positioned therebetween. The first arm includes a free first end and a second end, and the second arm includes a free first end and a second end. The second end of the first arm is connected to the second end of the second arm via the living hinge, and the first end of the first arm and the first end of the second arm are respectively provided with mating snap connection members. The living hinge connecting the first arm to the second arm is integrally formed with the first and second arms and forms a portion of the first and second arms to create a knot recess in which a shoelace knot is positioned for retaining.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a shoelace knot retaining apparatus wherein the living hinge biases the first arm relative to the second arm such that a shoelace knot may be securely compressed between the first arm and the second arm to hold and retain it therebetween.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a shoelace knot retaining apparatus wherein the angle between the first arm and the second arm is from approximately 180° to approximately 45° when the mating snap connection members of the first arm and second arm are not secured.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a shoelace knot retaining apparatus wherein the first end of the first arm includes a lateral recess shaped and dimensioned to engage a lateral projection extending from the first end of the second arm.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a shoelace knot retaining apparatus wherein when the first end of the second arm is pushed toward the first end of the first arm, the mating lateral recess of the first arm and lateral projection of the second arm engage each other to hold the first end of the first arm relative to the first end of the second arm.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a shoelace knot retaining apparatus wherein the first end of the first arm is provided with a release member extending beyond the lateral recess, the release member is shaped and dimensioned to allow one to press thereon, causing the lateral recess to move away from the lateral projection of the second arm in a manner permitting the first end of the second arm to disengage from the first end of the first arm.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a shoelace knot retaining apparatus wherein the knot recess includes a cut out portion that reduces the weight of the shoelace knot retaining apparatus and grips the shoelace knot preventing lateral sliding of the shoelace knot retaining apparatus.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a shoelace knot retaining apparatus wherein the first arm includes an outer surface shaped and dimensioned for attachment to the tongue of a conventional shoe.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a shoelace knot retaining apparatus wherein the outer surface of the first arm is substantially flat and is adhesively attached to the tongue of the shoe to which it is to be secured.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a shoelace knot retaining apparatus wherein the second arm is substantially arcuate and creates the knot recess between the first arm and the second arm such that shoelace knots of various sizes may be held therebetween.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a shoelace knot retaining apparatus wherein the knot recess is defined by creating opposed concave surfaces along an inner portion of the first arm and an inner portion of the second arm, the concave surfaces along the inner portion of the first arm and the inner portion of second arm define a substantially cylindrical knot recess in which a shoelace knot may be retained.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a shoelace knot retaining apparatus wherein the shoelace knot retaining apparatus is made of polypropylene, acetal, polyacetal, nylon, ABS, polyester, polybutylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate or steel.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth certain embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present shoelace knot retaining apparatus.

FIGS. 2 and 3 respectively show the present shoelace knot retaining apparatus in an open configuration and a closed, secure configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The detailed embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiment is merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as the basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a shoelace knot retaining apparatus 10 is disclosed. The shoelace knot retaining apparatus 10 includes a first arm 12 and a second arm 14 connected by a living hinge 16 positioned therebetween. The living hinge 16 biases the first arm 12 relative to the second arm 14 such that a shoelace knot 18 may be securely compressed between the first arm 12 and the second arm 14 to hold and retain it therebetween. The angle between the first arm 12 and the second arm 14 is approximately 120°, but can range anywhere from approximately 180° to approximately 45°. As will be discussed below in greater detail, the shape of the first arm 12 and the second arm 14 is very important in ensuring the shoelace knot 18 is securely retained therebetween.

The first arm 12 includes a free first end 20 and a second end 22, and the second arm 14 includes a free first end 24 and a second end 26. The second end 22 of the first arm 12 is connected to a second end 26 of the second arm 14 via the living hinge 16. The first end 20 of the first arm 12 and the first end 24 of the second arm 14 are provided with mating snap connection members. In particular, the first end 20 of the first arm 12 includes a lateral recess 28 shaped and dimensioned to engage a lateral projection 30 extending from the first end 24 of the second arm 14. In this way, when the first end 24 of the second arm 14 is pushed toward the first end 20 of the first arm 12, the mating lateral recess 28 of the first arm 12 and lateral projection 30 of the second arm 14 engage each other to hold the first end 20 of the first arm 12 relative to the first end 24 of the second arm 14. However, the first end 20 of the first arm 12 is resiliently biased allowing one to push the lateral recess 28 of the first end 20 of the first arm 12 away from the first end 24 of the second arm 14 to permit release thereof. In this way, the shoelace knot retaining apparatus 10 may be opened and closed in a manner discussed below in greater detail. More particularly, the first end 20 of the first arm 12 is provided with a release member 32 extending beyond the lateral recess 28. The release member 32 is shaped and dimensioned to allow one to press thereon, causing the lateral recess 28 to move away from the lateral projection 30 of the second arm 14 in a manner permitting the first end 24 of the second arm 14 to disengage from the first end 20 of the first arm 12.

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the living hinge 16 connecting the first arm 12 to the second arm 14 is integrally formed with the first and second arms 12, 14 and in reality forms a portion of the first and second arms 12, 14 to create a knot recess 34 in which a shoelace knot 18 is positioned for retaining in accordance with the present invention. The integral nature results in a unitary body shoelace knot retaining apparatus 10 in accordance with the present invention. The knot recess 34 includes a cut out portion 35. The cut out portion 35 reduces the weight of the shoelace knot retaining apparatus 10. This is particularly important with running shoes, where every gram counts, but also with all shoes. The other important aspect of the cut out portion is that the current design allows “gripping” of the knot without allowing it to slide laterally. That is, the cut out portion 35 is shaped and dimensioned to grip the shoelace knot preventing lateral sliding of the shoelace knot retaining apparatus 10. In addition to the cut out portion 35 of the knot recess 34, the first arm 12 also includes an open section 37 designed to reduce weight and enhance the spring bias of the first arm 12.

The first arm 12 includes an outer surface 36 shaped and dimensioned for attachment to the tongue 38 of a conventional shoe 40. With this in mind, the outer surface 36 of the first arm 12 is substantially flat and is adapted for adhesive attachment to the tongue 38 of the shoe 40 to which it is to be secured. While adhesive attachment is contemplated in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other attachment structures may be employed without departing from the spirit of the present invention, such as, for example, a hook and loop type fastener.

As to the second arm 14, it is substantially arcuate in shape and is adapted for creating the knot recess 34 between the first arm 12 and the second arm 14 such that shoelace knots of various sizes may be held therebetween. The knot recess 34 is defined by creating opposed concave surfaces 42, 44 along the inner portion 46, 48 of both the first arm 12 and the second arm 14. The concave surfaces 42, 44 along the inner portion 46, 48 of the first arm 12 and the second arm 14 define a substantially cylindrical knot recess 34 in which a shoelace knot may be retained in accordance with the present invention and as discussed below in greater detail. The knot recess 34 is ultimately defined by the concave surfaces 42, 44 of the first arm 12, the second arm 14 and the living hinge 16 which connects the first arm 12 to the second arm 14. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, and in order to permit the snap connection structure to function along the first end 20, 24 of the respective first and second arms 12, 14, the knot recess 34 is created at a position adjacent the second ends 22, 26 of the first and second arms 12, 14.

As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, shoelace knots of different sizes are commonly encountered and are due to the manner in which people tie their shoelaces and the thickness of the shoelaces. The actual size of the space between the first arm 12 and the second arm 14, as well as the length of the first arm 12 and the second arm 14 may, therefore, be adjusted to accommodate various needs. With this in mind, the length of the second arm 14 does have an effect upon the force required to bring the second arm 14 into contact with the first arm 12 when a shoelace knot 18 is positioned therebetween. As such, care should be taken to ensure that the force required to bring the first end 24 of the second arm 14 into contact with the first end 20 of the first arm 12 for securing a shoelace knot 18 therebetween in accordance with the present invention does not exceed the strength of the desired users.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shoelace knot retaining apparatus 10 is made of polypropylene, acetal, polyacetal, nylon, ABS, polyester, polybutylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate or steel. These materials are robust allowing for multiple openings and closings throughout the life of the shoe. They are also lightweight, which is important in shoe construction, particularly running shoes. While preferred materials are disclosed above for use in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of materials may be utilized without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

In practice, the shoelace knot retaining apparatus 10 is utilized in the following manner. The user first places his or her foot within the shoe 40. Thereafter, the shoes 40 are tied in a conventional manner. With the first arm 12 and the second arm 14 unsecured in their open orientation (preferably at approximately a 120° angle to permit ready access), an opening to the knot recess 34 is provided in which one may create the shoelace knot 18. Once the shoelace knot 18 is created and is positioned between the first arm 12 and the second arm 14 within the space defined by the knot recess 34, the first end 24 of the second arm 14 is brought into contact with the first end 20 of the first arm 12 and the lateral projection 30 of the first end 24 of the second arm 14 is seated within the lateral recess 28 of the first end 20 of the first arm 12. The interaction of the lateral projection 30 as it rides over the first end 20 of the first arm 12 creates a clicking sound as the inherent bias “snaps” the lateral projection 30 within the lateral recess 28. This present shoelace knot retaining apparatus 10 allows locking of the shoelace with a “clicking” sound. This allows the operator to know that the present shoelace retaining apparatus is activated and the knot is locked. This is important with children and their mothers, hearing the clicking sound will add a sense of security and confirmation that the shoelace is safely secured.

At this point, the shoelace knot 18 is securely held between the first arm 12 and the second arm 14 and may not be unknotted. When it is time for one to untie the shoelace knot 18, the release member 32 of the first arm 12 is pushed away from the first end 24 of the second arm 14 allowing the first end 24 of the second arm 14 to move away from the first end 20 of the first arm 12 under the biasing forces maintained by the shoelace knot retaining apparatus 10 when it is under compression with the shoelaces held therebetween.

Although most people attempt to tie shoelace knots tightly so as to prevent inadvertent untying thereof, children and the elderly often have difficulty in tying a tight knot that is prone to further loosening and ultimately untying of the shoe. The design of the present shoelace knot retaining apparatus 10 helps in preventing loosening of shoelace knots whether they are tightly secured or loosely secured. The inherent resilience of the present shoelace knot retaining apparatus 10 will engage a loose shoelace knot and prevent it from further loosening in a manner resulting in the untying of the shoelace.

It is contemplated the present knot retaining apparatus may be attached to the tongue in various orientations, inverted, oblique, with a swivel, with a detachable base. The present knot retaining apparatus can be within a groove in the tongue. The apparatus can be part of the tongue itself. The tongue can split and the apparatus is embedded in it. The apparatus can be made from two or more plastic strips connected distally to provide the lock. The apparatus can have a cap as the part of the clamp compressing the knot. As long as it is preventing it from accidentally dislodging laterally, any shape will do. The flat area on top of the apparatus can be used for logo.

With long distance runners, the shoelace knot tends to loosen, but even more commonly, the shoe tongue tends to migrate laterally or medially. This problem with shoes for long distance runners can be solved with this lightweight device. That is, the clamping action of the present knot retaining apparatus holds the knot in place and inhibits migration of the tongue.

While the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by such disclosure, but rather, is intended to cover all modifications and alternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A shoelace knot retaining apparatus, comprising: a first arm and a second arm connected by a living hinge positioned therebetween; the first arm includes a free first end and a second end, and the second arm includes a free first end and a second end, the second end of the first arm is connected to the second end of the second arm via the living hinge, and the first end of the first arm and the first end of the second arm are respectively provided with mating snap connection members; wherein the living hinge connecting the first arm to the second arm is integrally formed with the first and second arms and forms a portion of the first and second arms to create a knot recess in which a shoelace knot is positioned for retaining.
 2. The shoelace knot retaining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the living hinge biases the first arm relative to the second arm such that a shoelace knot may be securely compressed between the first arm and the second arm to hold and retain it therebetween.
 3. The shoelace knot retaining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an angle between the first arm and the second arm is from approximately 180° to approximately 45° when the mating snap connection members of the first arm and second arm are not secured.
 4. The shoelace knot retaining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first end of the first arm includes a lateral recess shaped and dimensioned to engage a lateral projection extending from the first end of the second arm.
 5. The shoelace knot retaining apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when the first end of the second arm is pushed toward the first end of the first arm, the mating lateral recess of the first arm and the lateral projection of the second arm engage each other to hold the first end of the first arm relative to the first end of the second arm.
 6. The shoelace knot retaining apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first end of the first arm is provided with a release member extending beyond the lateral recess, the release member is shaped and dimensioned to allow one to press thereon, causing the lateral recess to move away from the lateral projection of the second arm in a manner permitting the first end of the second arm to disengage from the first end of the first arm.
 7. The shoelace knot retaining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the knot recess includes a cut out portion that reduces the weight of the shoelace knot retaining apparatus and grips the shoelace knot preventing lateral sliding of the shoelace knot retaining apparatus.
 8. The shoelace knot retaining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first arm includes an outer surface shaped and dimensioned for attachment to a tongue of a conventional shoe.
 9. The shoelace knot retaining apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the outer surface of the first arm is substantially flat and is adhesively attached to a tongue of a shoe to which it is to be secured.
 10. The shoelace knot retaining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second arm is substantially arcuate and creates the knot recess between the first arm and the second arm such that shoelace knots of various sizes may be held therebetween.
 11. The shoelace knot retaining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the knot recess is defined by creating opposed concave surfaces along an inner portion of the first arm and an inner portion of the second arm, the concave surfaces along the inner portion of the first arm and the inner portion of second arm define a substantially cylindrical knot recess in which a shoelace knot may be retained.
 12. The shoelace knot retaining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shoelace knot retaining apparatus is made of polypropylene, acetal, polyacetal, nylon, ABS, polyester, polybutylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate or steel. 